Charaka is a women's multipurpose industrial co-operative society situated at Bhimanakone Village on the Western Ghats of Southern India. It is a small but significant success story. It produces naturally dyed cotton handloom garments in a composite handloom unit in Bhimanakone. Readymade garments produced hear are sold in cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Dharwad and Shimoga at retail outlets under the brand name DESI. These garments are much sought after by the young and the old, men and women.

The most significant aspect about this co-operative is the work it has done in the field of natural dyeing. Unlike other ventures in natural dyeing, Charaka has focused its attention on cost effective production and some of the natural products have become as inexpensive as chemical dyed ones.

DESI Trust, a non profit organisation is the leading marketing agency in the country for Natural dyed products. DESI is providing market for Sagar mini cluster, and other weaver groups spreed across Karnataka. The CFC(Common Facility Center) is going to become the hub around which natural dyed fabric production will be organised in this region. Read more...

DESI National Award has been one of the most prestigious award for handloom weaving in India. More...

Every year during January, Kavi-Kavya trust conducts a cultural festival called Charaka Utsava, where in artists from all over India participate. This festival goes on for few days More...

"Hase" art is a traditional folk art of Malenaadu (Western Ghats). This art is not common to all communities; it is traditionally drawn by Eedigas or colloquially known as Deevaru. More...